ABS-CBN’s newest primetime drama series “Honesto” charmed millions of Filipinos with its story about the importance of honesty as its pilot episode won in the nationwide TV ratings last Monday (October 28, 2013).

Based on the data from Kantar Media, “Honesto” garnered 30.5% national TV ratings compared to its rival program in GMA “Genesis” which only scored 10.5%.

Because of its timely theme that revolves around the virtue of honesty and kindness, “Honesto” also conquered social networking sites such as Twitter where one of its cast members Paulo Avelino and the hashtag #HonestoPromisePilot became nationwide trending topics.

Netizens flooded the Twitter timeline with positive tweets such as “@LhieDeJesus: #HonestoPromisePilot It is nice to think that we now have a show like this to watch. It shows the importance of honesty;” “@mybunny88: Excellent storyline, fast-paced and meritorious acting performance. Definitely a hit! Congrats!!! :) #HonestoPromisePilot @mepauloavelino;” and “@JCMWalkersBC: The cast of Honesto is outstanding. It is like comedy filled with many lessons. #HonestoPromisePilot It feels good to tell the truth.”

Meanwhile, primetime TV viewers will surely be glued to the small screens every night now that Felipe (Spanky Manikan) and Fina (Maricar Reyes) have already discovered the true colors of Diego (Paulo), Cleto (Nonie Buencamino), and Hugo (Joel Torre).

Can Diego still make up for the mistakes that he has done to prove his love for Fina or will the greediness of his family still prevail in breaking him and the only woman he has ever loved apart?

Don’t miss the continuation of the inspiring and honest story of “Honesto,” weeknights after “TV Patrol” on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida. For exclusive updates, pictures, and videos, log on to “Honesto’s” official social media accounts Facebook.com/Honesto.TV and Twitter.com/Honesto_TV.

Manila - The President of the Republic of the Philippines Benigno "PNoy" Aquino III for the very first time delivered primetime address which was broadcasted live in all major TV networks in the country, October 30, 2013. The speech tackles current national issues particularly on Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

In the recent results of Social Weather Stations (SWS) and Pulse Asia surveys, pork barrel issues greatly affect Aquino's net ratings. SWS said that from a "very good" +64 last June, it fell to good" score of +49 on September 20 to 23, 2013. Pulse Asia survey revealed that the Aquino administration failed to score majority approval ratings on eight of 10 national issues.

Here are the copies of Televised Address of President Benigno S. Aquino III, October 30, 2013 (English and Tagalog script) which are now available online.

Televised Address of President Benigno S. Aquino III (English)

My beloved countrymen, good evening.

Over the past few months, a few topics have come to be the focus of public discourse. With the cacophony of discordant voices coming from many different sides, perhaps the subject of the Pork Barrel and DAP has begun to leave you confused. I am asking you for a few minutes of your time in order to bring clarity to these issues.

You are all witnesses to the conflict taking place. On one hand, there is you and your government, to whom you gave the mandate for change—a government that has implemented reform for the past three years and five months, pursuing the corrupt and working to alleviate poverty. On the other side, you have the corrupt officials allegedly involved in the Pork Barrel Scam.

Might I remind those who have forgotten: The real issue here is stealing. This is the topic they have constantly tried to avoid ever since their wrongdoing was exposed. I can’t help but shake my head, since the first thing I expected was for them to at least deny the accusations. After all, is that not the natural reaction of anyone who is accused of anything? And yet, in the midst of all their extended counter-accusations hurled against me, not once have I heard them say: “I did not steal.”

One would have hoped that out of respect for those who believed in and voted for them, these officials would have fulfilled their sworn duties. At the very least one would have expected them to explain how it happened that the beneficiaries of the NGOs they chose to fund was just a list of board passers seemingly culled from newspapers. But how can we take their excuses seriously, when after repeated instances of their giving money to the same NGOs, they had not once bothered to check if the funds they allocated actually reached the intended beneficiaries? This state of affairs is indeed difficult, even impossible, to explain away.

And since it is exceedingly difficult to explain, it seems they have taken the advice of an old politician from their camp: If you can’t explain it, muddle it; if you can’t deodorize it, make everyone else stink; if you can’t look good, make everyone look bad. You have heard what they are saying: that we are all the same.

My response: We are not the same. I have never stolen. I am not a thief. I am the one who goes after thieves. We appointed people of unquestionable integrity who are fulfilling their sworn duties. Did we not appoint the Commission on Audit leadership that reviewed the documents leading to the discovery of PDAF abuse? And now, can we not expect a fair and just investigation, because the Ombudsman we appointed walks alongside us along the straight path?

Let me make it clear: The Disbursement Allocation Program is not pork barrel. Of the DAP releases in 2011 and 2012, only nine percent was disbursed for projects suggested by legislators. The DAP is not theft. Theft is illegal. Spending through DAP is clearly allowed by the Constitution and by other laws. DAP is only a name for a process in which government can spend both savings and new and additional revenues. Where did these funds come from? They came from our efforts to stop the connivance of some in bidding for contracts, in padding costs, overpricing, and kickbacks. They came from the proper spending of our budget. They came from good governance now seen in our GOCCs; just one example of this is the MWSS, an agency once buried in debt, and which now remits dividends to the national government annually. Savings, above-target collections, and new revenues are the results of good governance. And because of DAP, these funds were allocated to projects that were within the proposed budget and that had a clear benefit to the country.

How does this mechanism work? Simple. There are some agencies that, for a variety of reasons, are unable to implement their projects right away; on the other hand, there are those that are very efficient in implementing their projects. When projects are stalled, naturally, we will not spend for them. We did not allow these funds to remain dormant. We looked for programs under implementing agencies that had proven themselves to be fast and efficient, and we channeled our savings into these programs—together with the additional revenue of the government. The benefits of these projects reached our countrymen faster and earlier, and we were able to spend the money allocated yearly in our National Budget more prudently and efficiently.

You can decide for yourselves: Is this wrong? When has it ever been wrong to look for a constitutional way to serve our countrymen more effectively? DAP funded Project NOAH, which gives accurate and timely warnings during calamities. Also because of DAP, under the Training-for-Work Scholarship Program of TESDA, almost 150,000 Filipinos were able to study, and no less than 90,000 of them are currently employed. DAP also benefited our Air Force and the police. Through DAP, we were able to construct infrastructure in Mindanao and other parts of the country; restore the benefits of DepEd employees by paying their GSIS premiums, which had long been unpaid by the government; and fund many other programs and projects that have a real, tangible benefit to Filipinos.

DAP also played an important role in our economic resurgence. According to the World Bank, DAP contributed 1.3 percentage points to our GDP growth in the fourth quarter of 2011. Let us compare: isn’t it true that, when they were still in power, we were called the “Sick Man of Asia”? Today, we can choose from a number of new labels: Asia’s fastest growing economy, Rising Tiger, Brightest Spark. And let’s include the investment grade status we received from the three most reputable credit ratings agencies in the world. This economic growth—and its positive effects, which have redounded to our countrymen, especially those in the margins of society—this is the product of principled spending, and not of stealing. Money once pocketed by the corrupt is now being used to help our people, particularly the poor.

Let me also take this chance to explain the President’s Social Fund. There are times when we will need funds that can be disbursed quickly to meet sudden needs. For example: we needed funds to provide assistance to the families of soldiers and policemen who fell in the line of duty while responding to the threat posed by the MNLF-Misuari Faction in Zamboanga. There were also those who fell in the course of rescue and relief operations in the wake of Typhoon Sendong. The PSF funded these; without it, without calamity or contingency funds, they would have continued to suffer.

Because these funds were abused in the past, people are saying that perhaps we will abuse them today—even if no one has accused us of stealing or of using them in the wrong manner. Some propose to remove them completely. Would this be just? If only it were that simple—but what would we then do in case of natural disasters? Even if we were lucky and Congress was in session, it would take at least four months of debate before Congress can approve the funding we need. If you are in Zamboanga, with a child crying from hunger, and government tells you that it cannot help you just yet, it would need to haggle with Congress first—how would you feel? We have the money, and we have the mechanisms that will ensure this money goes where it’s needed most. Would it be right to deprive our countrymen of the care they direly need?

I repeat: The issue here is theft. I did not steal. Those who have been accused of stealing are the ones who are sowing confusion; they want to dismantle all that we have worked so hard to achieve on the straight path. We were stolen from, we were deceived—and now we are the ones being asked to explain? I have pursued truth and justice, and have been dismantling the systems that breed the abuse of power—and yet I am the one now being called the “Pork Barrel King”?

This is what I say to them: If you think that this will stop me from going after you, if you think that you can divert the public’s attention, if you think you can get away with stealing from our countrymen: you have sorely underestimated me and the Filipino people. If there still remains some vestige of kindness in your hearts, I hope that you stop acting in self-interest, and instead act to help your fellowmen.

When my father returned home on the twenty-first of August 1983, he had a speech prepared. The Filipino people never got to hear it, because he was murdered right on the tarmac. In that speech, he quoted Archibald MacLeish: “How shall freedom be defended? By truth when it is attacked by lies.” Now that falsehood and deception are threatening the Filipino’s right to a clean and honest government, the truth stands as our most powerful weapon. Tonight, I laid out the truth of what has been happening in our nation. I hope that in the coming days you will talk about this within your families, organizations, and communities, and that you can arrive at an understanding and a resolve that aligns with the truth.

My Bosses, we have fought so many battles. And I am grateful that no matter how foul the slander and the sabotage, you never let go, you never gave up. Together we proved that there are no tyrants if there are no slaves. Now, those who have abused our trust want to cast us off the course towards the fulfillment of our collective aspirations. I do not believe that you will let this pass. And so long as you are with me, I will continue to stand for our principles.

I have no doubt that, whether or not I am in office, you, our Bosses whose minds and hearts are in the right place, will continue and will finish the fight. This knowledge is the source of my strength and my courage. After all, is it not true that, not too long ago, the system in place was one where the Filipino people had grown tired of dreaming, of fighting back, of doing their part? Today, there are so many of us who are collectively forging the positive and meaningful reforms that are taking place in society. I have every confidence that you will more actively choose to be on the side of what is right, what is truthful, and what is just. This is why I am thankful today, because I know that we will continue our march on the straight path.

Manila, Philippines - Weather bureau PAGASA on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 said that Tropical Depression (TD) or Bagyong “Vinta” has slowed down as it continues to move westward in the general direction of Isabela-Aurora area.

As of 10:00pm today, the center of Tropical Depression “VINTA” was estimated based on all available data at 750 km East Northeast of Virac, Catanduanes (15.7°N, 131.9°E).

Bagyong Vinta has a maximum winds of 55 kph near the center. It is forecast to move West at 19 kph.

Tropical Depression “VINTA” is expected to be at 410 km Northeast of Virac, Catanduanes by tomorrow evening and at 120 km Northeast of Casiguran, Aurora by Thursday evening. By Friday evening, it is expected to be at 170 km West of Sinait, Ilocos Sur.

Public Storm Warning Signal No. 1 (Winds of 30-60 kph is expected in at least 36 hours) is raised over Isabela and Aurora.

Estimated rainfall amount is from 5.0 - 15.0 mm per hour (moderate - heavy) within the 300 km diameter of the Tropical Depression.

The public and the disaster risk reduction and management council concerned are advised to take appropriate actions and watch for the next bulletin to be issued tomorrow.

October 31, 2013 Update:
Vinta has intensified into a typhoon and now poses a real threat to Extreme Northern Luzon.

At 10:00 a.m. today, typhoon Vinta was located at 200km East of Aparri, Cagayan. Maximum winds/gustiness (120/150 km/h). Forecast to move West Northwest at 26 km/h.

Typhoon Vinta is expected to make landfall over Northern Cagayan this afternoon.

Signal 3: Cagayan including Calayan and Babuyan Group of Islands, Apayao and Ilocos Norte.

Estimated rainfall 5-15mm/hr (moderate-heavy) within the 500 km diameter of the typhoon.

Areas under Signals 3, 2, and 1 are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides and coastal areas under Signal 3 and 2 are alerted against possible storm surges. Sea travel is not encouraged and considered risky over the Northern and Eastern seaboards of Luzon.

ABS-CBN, the official home of the NBA on Philippine free-to-air television, brings the non-stop NBA action live beginning Wednesday (Oct 30), 8 AM, on Studio 23 as the National Basketball Association 68th season formally kicks off its 2013-2014 season with reigning back-to-back champions Miami Heat battling the returning Derrick Rose and his Chicago Bulls.

Ever since ABS-CBN bagged the exclusive rights to air the NBA on Philippine free TV, more Filipino basketball fans have been able to enjoy the NBA games and watch the best players in the world compete.

Data from global research group Kantar Media showed that from a total of 34.7 million viewers in 2012, viewership of the NBA games on free-to-air television channels ABS-CBN and Studio 23 increased to 65 million in 2013, which proves the growing interest in basketball among the Filipino audience. The NBA also hit its all-time high national TV rating of 20.87% in the Philippines during the recent finals.

The first NBA Global game in the country, where the Indiana Pacers and the Houston Rockets visited the country for a pre-season game, also made it to the headlines and landed on the front pages of newspapers, thereby affirming the significance of basketball to Philippine culture.

This Wednesday (Oct 30), the whole world will surely tune in as the 68th NBA season opening ceremonies feature the presentation of the championship rings and the raising of the Miami Heat’s 2013 championship banner. All eyes are also set on the return of former MVP Derrick Rose after sitting out the 2013 season due to a knee injury.

Watch the highly-anticipated opening of the 2013-2014 NBA season live this Wednesday (Oct 30) on Studio 23 with a same day primetime replay at 8:30 PM. Studio 23 also airs the 30-minute magazine show “NBA Action,” that will recap the weekly highlights of the NBA, beginning Saturday (Nov 2) at 11:30 AM.

Manila, Philippines - Leading TV network in the country, ABS-CBN is set to launch its Christmas Station ID 2013 on Wednesday, November 6 after TV Patrol. Announcement made thru a video published on Youtube for ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID recording sessions which were led by "The Voice of the Philippines" coaches.

ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID 2013 has a theme of "Magkasama Tayo sa Kwento ng Pasko". ABS-CBN said that this year's theme is all about reality, genuine emotions and stories close to the hearts of ABS-CBN and our Kapamilya stars.

Three of the coaches of The Voice PH (Sarah Geronimo, Lea Salonga and Bamboo Mañalac) and the top 4 finalists (Janice, Myk, Klarisse and Mitoy) were given the opportunity to perform Christmas station ID 2013.

"We as a network are happy to say that for the past 60 years, we have witnessed and are part of the many milestones in the lives of our viewers. Our audience has given us inspiration and in return we want to give back. By reaching out to our Kapamilyas all over the world. We have been in each others lives for the past 60 years and we will continue to be together in the years to come.", ABS-CBN said in a statement.

Brilliant artists collaborate for the newest Christmas Station ID: Robert Labayen for the lyrics, Jumbo "Bojam" De Belen for the music with Peewee Gonzales and Melo Saliendra directed the recording. Meanwhile, PhilPop 2013 winners Thyro Alfaro and Yumi Lacsamana also have participation for the music video.

For several years, the songs featured in ABS-CBN's Christmas station IDs have become big hits among Filipinos during the holidays.

Some of the Kapamilya network' Christmas station ID that inspired Filipinos are "Bro, Ikaw ang Star ng Pasko," the Kapamilya network's Christmas theme song in 2009; "Ngayong Pasko Magniningning ang Pilipino" (2010), which took on the themes of community and dreams; and "Da Best ang Pasko ng Pilipino" (2011), which highlighted the thriving relationships between overseas Filipino wokers (OFW) and their families despite great distances; and “Lumiliwanag ang Mundo sa Kwento ng Pasko” (2012), which highlighted how the Filipino spirit always shines through despite the many calamities that have hit the country.

Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz on Friday expressed elation as she announced that two scholars of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration had passed the recent licensure examinations for Certified Public Accountants, one of them placing 7th.

"This is, indeed, good news," said Baldoz in congratulating the OWWA scholars.

The October 2013 CPA licensure examinations were held in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Cagayan De Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, and Legazpi.

Alex CargulloCarinan, from Tabaco City, Albay, is one of the 4,246 examinees who passed out of the 10,396 hopefuls who took the rigorous CPA board examinations. Carinan is a brother of a seaman, an OWWA member. He landed in the top 10, garnering an average of 91.57 percent.

A scholarship grantee under the OWWA's Education for Development Scholarship Program, Carinan graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the Bicol University College of Business, Economics and Management in Daraga, Albay.

Baldoz also lauded another OWWA scholar, Karen Camacho from Sorsogon City, who, like Carinan also passed the CPA licensure examinations.

“We at the DOLE are very proud of both Alex and Karen. They made us proud when they graduated magna cum laude and cum laude, respectively, in March. They make us even more proud with their passing the CPA board examinations," said Baldoz.

Citing a report of OWWA Administrator Carmelita Dimzon, Secretary Baldoz said the EDSP this year produced two summa cum laude; seven magna cum laude; and 20 cum laude graduates from various colleges and universities nationwide.

The EDSP grants P60,000 in scholarship grants per year for a four- or five-year baccalaureate course to qualified OFW dependents.

To avail of a grant, an applicant must comply with the following: (1) must be a child of an OWWA member or brother/sister of an unmarried OWWA member; (2) must be below 21 years old; (3) must be a Filipino citizen; (4) must be in good health and of good moral character; (5) must belong to the upper 20 percent of the high school graduation class; (6) must not have earned units in any post-secondary/undergraduate course; and (7) must not be a recipient of any scholarship award.

Once accepted, an EDSP grantee (1) must maintain the grade requirement of the program for the continuance of the scholarship until completion of the course; (2) must comply with the terms and conditions of the scholarship agreement to be entered into between himself/herself, parents or legal guardian and the OWWA; (3) avail of the grant through a voucher system and on the specific period indicated in the voucher; (4) must not transfer the scholarship grant.

"The OWWA's educational assistance for children or dependents of our OFWs is meant to provide them hope that after their painstaking hard work abroad, the government is ready to pursue measures that will help them realize their dreams for their families," Baldoz said.

Manila, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said that Barangay election 2013 results and proclamation of winners are expected within 24 hours except in big barangays. Partial and unofficial results, updates will be available immediately in the local areas nationwide with official results expected to be posted in Comelec website same with 2010 Barangay and SK Elections.

“Our estimate is that most of the precincts will be finished with their canvassing and proclamation within 24 hours. Those that will be left are the bigger barangays,” Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes said.

October 30, 2013 Update: Comelec reports that around 95% of winners for barangay election already proclaimed of the total 42,028 barangays nationwide.

Comelec said that 14 regions in the country have tallied close to 100 percent results. These include Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, the Cordilleras, and Caraga. Meanwhile, Metro Manila has tallied a 95.7 percent with 74 barangays still failed to proclaimed winners within 48 hours due to some issues.

In about a day after the election, Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes said that 75% of winners for barangay polls already proclaimed. Photo courtesy of abs-cbnnews.com.

Where or how can I find Barangay Election 2013 results online?

Since manual voting process is used for October 2013 election as compared to computerized May 2013 election, nationwide availability of results per barangay on the Comelec website will take some time. TheSummitExpress.com will post here soon the link once available.

In the mean time, to know the express results online, check out the following hashtags on Twitter: #Halalan2013(ABS-CBN), #BrgyEleksyon2013 (GMA News), #barangayelection2013 (Inquirer.net) and #BarangayElections2013 (PIA News).

You may also check updates from your local government unit (LGU) Twitter account or websites. For example, the town of Tupi in South Cotabato and Isabela City created election results page last 2010 for the locals to check the total number of votes and rank of candidates. Once we got updates from reliable sources, we will provide here links for October 2013 Barangay Election results.

Comelec also expects high voter turn-out of around 80 percent for Monday, October 28, 2013 poll since the race is more intimate.

The election shall elect the Punong Barangay, more commonly known as barangay captains, and members of the Sangguniang Barangay, or barangay council, in 42,028 barangays throughout the Philippines whose terms start on November 30, 2013.

Barangays are the smallest local government unit in the Philippines. Republic Act No. 9340 mandates that synchronized elections for the Barangay and SK elections to be held every three years on the last Monday of October. However, President Benigno Aquino III on October 3 enacted a law postponing the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections originally scheduled on Oct. 28 to allow Congress to reform the youth council. The law sets Oct. 28, 2014, and Feb. 23, 2015, as the period within which the Commission on Elections (Comelec) could set the date for the SK elections.

Palace reminds the 54 million voters of the country, as they cast their votes today, October 28, 2013 for the Barangay Elections, that good governance begins with selecting and voting the right leaders of barangays.

According to PCOO Sec. Sonny Coloma, voters should ensure that the barangay captain and kagawads they will choose (and vote) are capable of ensuring the well-being of citizens and must protect the integrity of the trusted fund of the barangay.

Monday is the day of reckoning for the more than 800,000 candidates vying for different posts. Voting started at 7 a.m., voters will have to choose one barangay chairman (Kapitan) and seven barangay counselors (kagawads) in each of the 42,028 barangays.

At stake in today's elections are 42,028 seats for barangay chairmen & 294,196 slots for councilmen.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) already said that results of Barangay elections can be expected in just 24 hours and winners will be proclaimed immediately except in big barangays.

“Our estimate is that most of the precincts will be finished with their canvassing and proclamation within 24 hours. Those that will be left are the bigger barangays,” Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes said in an interview.

Canvassing of votes in voting centers will take place once the voting ends at 3 p.m.

Comelec also expects high voter turnout in Monday’s elections compared to the 76% turnout in the May 13 midterm polls.

“It should be higher than the May 13 elections. We expect this election to have 79 to 80 percent voter turnout since the race is more intimate,” he said.

Meanwhile, President Aquino is expected to cast his votes in precinct 175-A of Central Azucarrera de Tarlac Elementary School, Brgy. Central, Tarlac City as reported by Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

As of this writing, no details were given on the pricing of iPhone 5S and 5C plans for both Globe and Smart. However, it is assumed that iPhone 5c will be FREE on Plan 1200 or Plan 1500 and iPhone 5s probably be FREE on Plan 2500 for Smart. We'll update the details once officially confirmed.

Sign-up now to get iPhone 5s or iPhone 5c from Smart or Globe ( 5s, 5c) or compare the specs first.

iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c specs
iPhone 5s comes with iOS 7, the most significant iOS update since the original iPhone, engineered for 64-bit technology and featuring hundreds of great new features, including Control Center, Notification Center, improved Multitasking, AirDrop, enhanced Photos, Safari, Siri and iTunes Radio.

Apple said that iPhone 5s makes it even easier to connect to high-speed networks with support for up to 13 LTE wireless bands, more than any other smartphone in the world.

iPhone 5c, the most colorful iPhone yet and the lower price version will be available in five gorgeous colors—blue, green, pink, yellow and white. iPhone 5c is built on a foundation of features people know and love like the beautiful 4-inch Retina display, blazing fast performance of the A6 chip, and the 8 megapixel iSight camera—all while delivering great battery life. It comes with more LTE bands than any other smartphone in the world, a new FaceTime HD camera, and iOS 7, the most significant iOS update since the original iPhone.

LTE is perfect for iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c

Those who will adopt the new phone from Apple will be benefitted with the widespread presence of LTE in the Philippines. Long Term Evolution (LTE) is the latest trend and considered as the real 4G technology to provide blazing speed of data connectivity as compared to 3G or HSPA+.

Moreover, Smart is the sole 4G LTE provider in Capiz, Iloilo, Leyte and Negros Oriental in the Visayas, and Misamis Oriental and Zamboanga Del Sur in Mindanao.

Meanwhile, Globe Telecom is currently expanding its LTE network to cover more key cities in Metro Manila. At first, Globe has just focused on “large contiguous area” like Makati City. Recently, Globe said that the company has activated more LTE sites and now available also in Pasig City, Quezon City, Taguig, Manila, Muntinlupa, San Juan, and Las Pinas.

Globe LTE infrastructure has also been established in Metro Cebu and Metro Davao as well as in select areas in the provinces of Bohol, Batangas, Negros Occidental, La Union, Rizal, Aklan Laguna, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Cavite, Cagayan, Pangasinan, Isabela, Ilocos, Quirino, Tarlac and in key tourist destination Boracay.

It's that time of the year again, when you have to brave the thick mass of people in cemeteries to pay your respects to departed loved ones. The experience can be taxing, but you can still have a stress-free Undas 2013 with the help of your trusty mobile phone. Here are some useful tips from wireless services leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart):

Download the crowd-sourced navigation application Waze from the App Store or Google Play so you can quickly identify the fastest route to the cemetery. Smart has a suite of packages that will allow you to use the app at affordable rates. For instance, you can get unlimited use of Waze for three hours for just P2! Simply text Waze2 to 211. More details can be found here: http://www1.smart.com.ph/pages/waze

Reserve bus seats via Pinoy Travel

If you’re commuting to Baguio or Tuguegarao, there’s no need for you to queue for hours in a crowded bus station to book a seat. Download the free Pinoy Travel Android app to check provincial bus schedules and reserve your seat.

Pinoy Travel was created by one of the startups supported by IdeaSpace Foundation, Inc., a business incubator backed by Smart and other leading companies in the country.

Check expressway advisories and traffic conditions with NLEX Assist

For motorists who will travel via the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) to visit their provinces, check out the NLEX Assist App from Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC) and Voyager Innovations, Inc. (Voyager). The app displays a user-friendly color coded traffic status for each section of the expressway. Those using it while driving in NLEX can also receive push-notification public advisories. A convenient NLEX hotline dial button is also available, making assistance convenient and hassle-free.

Moreover, this app will feature rewards, deals, promos through a mobile advertising platform as well as a toll fee calculator and a way to check the balance of your Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) Card. Users may download the NLEX Assist app for free via the Smartnet app update. Alternatively, it can be downloaded from the Google Play store (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.voyager.stretch_nlex).

Be ready for the weather

Project Noah Mobile for Android, which is downloadable for free from the App Store and Google Play, can give you real-time weather updates and show the probability of rain in different areas. Get the app so you’d know whether to bring rain gear or dress for warm weather.

Smart collaborated with the software developer community to produce this mobile version of the Project Noah website of the Department of Science and Technology and the PAGASA Weather Bureau.

Stay connected with your companions

When you’re in a crowded cemetery, it’s easy to lose track of your companions. But you can easily get in touch with them using your phone. With the recently launched Smart Unli Call and Text 25, Smart Prepaid subscribers can enjoy one whole day of unlimited calls to Smart and Talk ‘N Text subscribers, unlimited ‘tri-net’ texts or to over 70M subscribers of Smart, Talk ‘N Text and Sun Cellular, 50 texts to other networks, plus online chat and browsing of up to 15mb – all for only P25.

For subscribers using their favorite apps on their smartphone, Smart has a suite of mobile messaging data plans, which includes an all-day chat offer for as low as P10 a day on WeChat and LINE. With the promo, all Smart and Talk N’ Text subscribers can enjoy chatting with their relatives and friends all over the world (who are also users of the same app) even without connecting to a Wi-Fi hotspot and incurring additional data charges. To register, just text the WECHAT10 or LINE10 to 2200 (for Prepaid users).

It would also help to remember the Philippine National Police Hotline, in case of emergencies. You can call 117 or send TXT PNP to 2920.

Make sure your phone is fully charged

Plug up your phone before leaving the house and bring a portable power bank to make sure your phone lasts the entire day.

Manila - A talented and young Filipino blind girl from Southern Philippines is now the much talk-about and subject of interest of netizens after a video of her singing Miley Cyrus 'Wrecking Ball' was uploaded on Youtube and became viral on social media since Wednesday, October 23.

The young girl singing the Miley Cyrus hit on the video is holding a microphone in one hand and appears to be reading braille with the other while performing. The popular video will leave you with goose bumps as the young girl shows off her pipes.

The video was uploaded by George Doton and says that Joyce, 11 year-old (Grade 5 student) is from Barangay Luzon, Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental. As of this writing, the video hits around 325,000 views.

One of the comment on Youtube said: "wow....this girl is so talented...being blind is hard...that's why she has more emotions on singing...like a girl﻿ singing..while closing her eyes."

Vladimer Verdan on Youtube said: "When I saw this video of a little girl I didn't control my emotions to cry oh my god I can feel the sensations in every word she sing the lines of the song,, please help and don't discriminate those people who born like her, instead give them special attention I'm sorry but this is what I felt please don't deny the﻿ fact that there were someone there who criticize of being in different among us.."

Similar uploads of the video on social networking site Facebook garnered thousands of likes and shares. One of the copies uploaded on Facebook goes viral. The post now have more than 242,000 likes and shared more than 108,000 times.

Aside from the local blogs and websites in the Philippines, international websites like mirror.co.uk, ibtimes.com and latinopost.com also create a featured post for the blind Filipino girl.

Youtube nowadays become an avenue for the Filipino talents to gain popularity through viral videos. Among the list of now so called Youtube sensations are Aldrich Talonding and James Bucong, for their "Dance With My Father" rendition; Zendee Tenerefe, for the "random girl" clip that shows her singing at a mall; Cheridel Alejandrino, the elevator girl and the worldwide popular singing senasation Charice Pempengco.

The SM College Scholarship Program, the flagship education program of the SM Foundation, Inc., is now accepting applications for SY 2014-2015. SM is now inviting qualified graduating fourth year public high school students to avail this opportunity. Learn more for the requirements, forms, guidelines and deadline of filing applications here.

The scholarship program, now on its 20th year, helps provide quality education to bright but underprivileged public high school graduates. The program has 1,200 college scholars at any time nationwide enrolled in 73 colleges and universities in NCR, Baguio, Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Lucena, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Rizal, Tarlac, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo.

Below is the list of qualifications for the SM College Scholarship Program:

Graduates of Public High Schools

P150,000 or less household income per year, supported by a BIR Income Tax Return

Fourth year weighted average grade of at least 88% in the second or third grading period.

SM Foundation- Education said that application form and guidelines are now available at the customer service counters of the SM SuperMalls, SM Department Stores, SM Supermarkets and Save More Markets.

Deadline of filing applications is on December 20, 2013.

Procedure for SM Scholarship Application

Completely fill out the SM College Scholarship Application form.

Attach clear photocopy of F138 or Fourth year high school report card with the second or third grading period's weighted average.

Attach Certificate of passing the entrance test in school of choice (if available).

Attach photocopy of 2012 Income Tax Return (ITR) or Certificate of Non-filing of Income.

Submit accomplished application form and all required documents to the customer service counters of the SM SuperMalls, SM Department Stores, SM Supermarkets and Save More Markets before December 20, 2013.

Qualified applicants will be notified (through telephone call or sms) as to their schedule of interview and IQ test.

Only fully accomplished application forms, accompanied by all the required documents will be processed.

Applicants have to hurdle a strict screening process which involves the usual written examinations and the personal interviews. It is important is that the applicant exhibits the potential for leadership as well as the actual, and not merely the imagined, capability of doing well in one’s studies but also eventually in contributing to the enhancement of one’s community.

The benefits of being selected as an SM Foundation’s scholar are enormous and thus not limited to the hand-out of free tuition. The scholar is free to choose his/her career path, enroll in courses leading to degrees in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Management, Electronics and Communications Engineering, Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Elementary and Secondary Education and Accountancy.

The scholars are given monthly allowances; they attend bonding and sharing annual activities such as the general assembly, recollection, sportsfest, Christmas party, summer and Christmas break jobs at SM stores. When studies are all done, they can expect job offers from the SM organization that is significantly present in most, if not all, the commercial centers in the country.

Launched in 2003, the SM Foundation’s College Scholarship Program is the embodiment of the foundation’s education advocacy, one of many intended to extend immediate and long-range assistance to deprived communities in areas served by the SM Group of Companies.

ABS-CBN, the leading TV network in the country announced the latest, updated version of Comelec Halalan app for the needs of voters in time for the Barangay elections tomorrow, Monday (Oct 28, 2013).

Barangay Elections 2013 will use the old voting system or reverted back to its old ballot form.

The latest version of its breakthrough mobile app in partnership with the Commission on Elections and is now downloadable for free on various Android, iOS, and Windows operated smartphones and tablets.

Through the Comelec Halalan 2013 App, voters can check their voter status and registration details, including their polling place and precincts. It also provides the latest news on the local polls coming ABS-CBN News and the Comelec.

The app also has the “Halalan 101” feature which contains infographics on how to vote, and what voters should bring to the polling place on election day. It also has interesting details on the barangay polls such as the history of the barangay, and statistics provided by the election commission.

The Comelec Halalan app proved to be very useful during the recent midterm elections especially to the 215,000 Filipinos worldwide who checked their voter status and tried to find out their eligibility to vote for the 2013 midterm elections.

According to a report by abs-cbnNEWS.com, the app averaged 27,000 installs a month on Android in 2013, and registered 70,140 installs in May 2013 alone. Its page views also climbed from 64,741 in January to 204,371 in April, and 3,648,326 in May.

Meanwhile, on iOS, the app averaged 20,000 installs each month in 2013, culminating in 83,563 in May. Page views began climbing at 76,951 in January, and hit 3,071,725 in May.

ABS-CBN News is the pioneer in voter education using modern mobile technology. Aside from the Comelec Halalan 2013 app, ABS-CBN News also provides the most up-to-date news on information on the barangay polls through its Halalan 2013 website at http://halalan2013.abs-cbnnews.com.

It also produced an online counterpart of the on-air Kampanyaserye features through the Kampanyaserye microsite (www.abs-cbnnews.com/kampanyaserye) where netizens can watch eight special Kampanyaseryes that talk about various issues concerning voters about the barangay and the upcoming elections.

Keep tuning in on ABS-CBN for the most comprehensive coverage of the Barangay Halalan this Monday (Oct 28).

Meanwhile, TheSummitExpress will continue to deliver the breaking news and important updates related to Barangay Elections. Like Us on Facebook or Follow Us on Twitter for the updates.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced that liquor ban will be imposed today October 27 and 28, 2013, in connection with the October 28, 2013 Barangay Elections.

The ban covers the selling, offering, buying, serving and taking of intoxicating liquor, said COMELEC Spokesman James Jimenez.

Anyone caught defying the ban faces up to six years imprisonment.

Under a Comelec resolution, violators of the liquor ban may constitute an election offense and shall be punishable by imprisonment of not less than one year, but more than six years, among other penalties provided for by law.

“Starting 12:01 of October 27 until midnight of October 28, an election liquor ban will be implemented nationwide except in the Province of Bohol and in Zamboanga City,” Jimenez said.

He explained that that Bohol and Zamboanga City is not covered by the ban as the Barangay polls there were postponed to November 25, 2013.

Election in Bohol was suspended due to the widespread damage from magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck the entire province last October 15, 2013. Also, Zamboanga barangay poll suspended due to extensive damage brought by the 3-week conflict between government troops and Muslim rebels in September.

Manila, Philippines - San Mig Coffee Mixers clinched the 2013 PBA Governors' Cup title after defeating Petron Blaze Boolsters, 87-77 in the winner-take-all Game 7 held at Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday night, October 25, 2013.

Marc Pingris outplayed Junemar Fajardo of Petron Blaze and finished the game with 19 points and 17 rebounds to go with his 5 blocks. He was named the Finals MVP.

“Unang-una nagpapasalamat ako kay Lord. Iniisip ko lang talaga laro lang (First, I thanked the Lord. I was only thinking of our game),” said the 6’5” forward after the game.

Marqus Blakely of San Mig Coffee Mixers was named Bobby Parks Best Import of the Conference. The award is given to the most outstanding non-Filipino on a team's roster, frequently referred to as the "import."

Blakely and Pingris joined hands to tear Petron Blaze apart at the finish, foiling the Boosters’ bid for a 20th crown.

Meanwhile, Arwind Santos of Petron Blaze Boosters received the Best Player of the Conference award.

The latest championship enabled San Mig coach Tim Cone to match the all-time best record of 15 titles set by PBA coaching legend Virgilio “Baby” Dalupan.

“I'm just very humbled at the moment... i think we're the underdogs coming in. Petron is such a well constructed team,” said Cone during the post-game interview courtesy of ABS-CBN News.

Here is the full game replay of Game7 4th Quarter of the 2013 PBA Governors' Cup:

During the final game, there were around 21,000 spectators and supporters who flocked at the Big Dome. Also, the Game 7 was the most talk-about topic on social media specially on Twitter Philippines with the dominance of trends for the PBA Finals.

The 2013 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors' Cup, is the third and last conference of the 2012-13 PBA season. Due to the preparations for the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship, the conference was just started last August 14.

The tournament is an import-laden format, which allows an import or a pure-foreign player for each team and with a height limit of 6-foot-5. The PBA finals is sponsored by PLDT Telpad.

The next season of PBA tournament (39th season ) is scheduled on November 17, 2013 with all games to be broadcasted live via TV5.

Manila - RareJob Philippines, Inc. is proud to present its technology-focused career fair for Japanese start-ups.

Japan has always been known to be a step ahead when it comes to information technology. With the recent stability of the Philippine market, more Japanese start-up companies are eyeing to invest in the country.

The continuous growth of the country prompted 6 fast-growth start-ups from Japan to hold a Career Fair to bolster their workforce. The career fair is aimed at I.T. professionals as all the start-ups are seeking qualified programmers and system engineers who can compete on a global stage.

The recruitment event aptly titled “RareJob I.T. Career Fair: Opportunities with Japanese start-ups” will be held on November 14-15, 2013 at the University of the Philippines, College of Science Atrium and will be attended by 6 fast-growth start-ups namely; Klab Cyscorpion, Aiming Global, Wisdom Plus, Primer Media, YoYo, and RareJob Inc.

Hundreds of outstanding students and alumni of the Philippines’ leading university will be attending the event. Participants will be able to connect and build their career foundation with high-growth Japanese start-ups.

As confirmed with Joshua Antonio, HR of RareJob Philippines, Inc., he said that the career fair is open to all applicants.

This event is co-presented by the Philippines-Japan Friendship Club or more popularly known as UP Tomo-Kai. Started by seven visionaries in 1990, the organization has grown to an illustrious and full-fledged team working together to further its goals to promote the Japanese language and culture and foster mutual relations between Filipinos and Japanese.

For more details on the event, check out this page or contact Joshua Antonio (Cel. #0917.628.9717).

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) released on Friday the results for October 2013 Customs Broker Licensure Examination. A total of 533 out of 1,278 passed the exam given by the Board for Customs Brokers in Manila, Cebu and Davao this October 2013.

Evangeryl Antoniano Muñez of University of Cebu in Lapulapu and Mandaue (UC-LM) topped the board with 92.50 percent grade. The top 2 and 3 passers are also from UC-LM - Dimple Palm Dosdos Comaingking who got 92.25% and Mary Catherine Cantones Catalan (91.00%).

The members of the Board for Customs Brokers who gave the licensure examination are Atty. Ferdinand A. Nague, Chairman; Felipe A. Bartolome and Silverio F. Montalbo, Members.

The results were released in two (2) working days after the last day of examination.

Registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card (ID) and Certificate of Registration will be on November 7 and 8, 2013. Those who will register are required to bring the following: duly accomplished Oath Form or Panunumpa ng Propesyonal, current Community Tax Certificate (cedula), 1 piece passport size picture (colored with white background and complete nametag), 2 sets of metered documentary stamps and 1 short brown envelope with name and profession and to pay the Initial Registration Fee of P600 and Annual Registration Fee of P450 for 2013-2016. Successful examinees should personally register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals.

The date and venue for the oathtaking ceremony of the new successful examinees in the said examination WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.